Satisfaction with and Use of Inhalation Devices in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Abstract

Background:

Greater patient satisfaction with his or her inhalation device is associated with better adherence to pharmacological therapy and better clinical outcomes, such as improved quality of life, greater asthma control, and fewer exacerbations. The objective of this study was to determine the satisfaction level of a group of patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma concerning their devices for inhalation of bronchodilators and glucocorticoids.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of patients treated in the Colombian health system. Satisfaction with inhalation devices was evaluated with the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI)-10 questionnaire. A score of ≥44 points indicated high satisfaction.

Results:

In total, 362 patients from 59 cities were identified, their median age was 55 years, and 74.6% were women. The FSI-10 average score was 44.6; 68.5% of patients showed high satisfaction, especially with pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), and 63.4% did not use them with an inhalation chamber. Users of pMDIs (odds ratio [OR]: 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–3.10) and those who received training by medical specialists (OR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.33–3.97) had high satisfaction, while patients who were older (40–64 vs. <40 years: OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19–0.78 and ≥65 vs. <40 years: OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15–0.81), resided in the Caribbean region (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.29–0.81), and had a university education (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32–0.90) had lower satisfaction.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients with asthma used pMDIs without an inhalation chamber, and their overall satisfaction was higher than that of patients using other inhalation devices. Patients who received special training from medical specialists showed better satisfaction.